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More than 21 million Americans struggle with addiction, although only about 11% of those individuals receive the care they need. One reason why that percentage is so low is that many don't know where to turn for help.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the best-known groups for former addicts to come together and stay sober. Today, there are over 2 million AA members. Recovering addicts love this group. It's free and open to the public, and the supportive members help others stay sober.

Despite rumors to the contrary, a 2020 clinical review shows that AA and other 12-step programs significantly assist in recovery, and reduce healthcare costs associated with AUD.

Around one-third of alcoholics recover and stay sober. But a person's chances of recovering significantly increase when they seek help for their addiction.

Going through the AA process will be the most worthwhile thing a person with alcohol addiction can do, but it's also very likely to be the single hardest thing you have ever done. Relapses are common, in fact, they're expected, over 85% of people getting addiction treatment will relapse within their first year of treatment. 

In 2019, before the height of the pandemic, approximately 14.5 million adults had an alcohol abuse disorder in the United States. A sizable percentage of these adults seek help by attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. 

Reports as to Alcoholics Anonymous's success rate vary quite wildly, but more detailed and disciplined studies have found it to be highly successful with 70% of participants being sober at the 16-year mark. 

A 2017 study showed that attending AA meetings significantly impacts ongoing abstinence from alcohol. There's a caveat, though. If you want to stay sober thanks to the Alcoholics Anonymous program, you've got to play by the rules. Apart from attending meetings, this includes choosing a sponsor to guide your recovery.